1981 Buick LeSabre vs. 2003 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2003 Nissan Maxima is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick LeSabre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick LeSabre would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick LeSabre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Maxima (261 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (105 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick LeSabre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick LeSabre weights approximately 245 kg more than 2003 Nissan Maxima.
Because 1981 Buick LeSabre is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Buick LeSabre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Maxima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick LeSabre. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick LeSabre.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Buick LeSabre | 2003 Nissan Maxima | |
Make | Buick | Nissan |
Model | LeSabre | Maxima |
Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 105 HP | 261 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 274 Nm | 346 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1555 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2830 mm |